Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  No Regrets Whatsoever- Smooth - 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By jameo - March 24 - 4:03 am

  I bought this vehicle after painstaking research and test drives of so many others similar in this class. I have to say that have no regrets with my decision for many reasons. I had used this forum as the basis for my final decision and most of the other reviewers and I are in agreement. Overall one of the best deals out there. I live in a snow region and my first driving experience was during a blizzard. While other SUVs and 4WD vehicles where busy with low speed flashers, I cruised along effortlessly among the pack. Smooth ride, lots of midrange power, very roomy, and excellent driver response. Did I mention my insurance rates dropped lower than another vehicle I own, a 1997 Passport?

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  I love my Eclipse - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By dking - March 23 - 11:33 pm

  Ive owned a 2002 Eclipse RS for nearly 9 years. For the first 8 this car was perfect. Only scheduled maintenance, not a thing went wrong. In the last 10 months things have started to go. Oil pan rot. Never heard of it and could be due to living in New England. That was expensive. Air conditioner compressor, again expensive. Front struts, VERY expensive! Slave cylinder for the clutch, low cost to repair but was a major inconvenience. Rear gate lifters went the first winter in Maine. car was 5 years old at that time. I just use a stick to hold up the gate. The car has 88,000 on it and just had its first brake job. Not bad. Its up for sale. Just bought a new Altima but will miss my Eclipse.

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  Good Car for 18000 - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By rustbucket - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car took out my wifes new mustang gt on the highway in 3rd gear. If ur considering the mustang gt think again. After driving the mustang u will know just how good the gearing in the eclipse really is. This car is responsive on turns and doesnt slide easily. Drives well in the rain because of the front wheel drive. Not as much wheel tug as u would think on quick acceleration from stop. I would have like the mazda rx-8 but this car is the best price to car ratio and the monthly is not a mortgage payment.

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  Best New Car on the Market - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Debbie Reeder - March 22 - 8:20 am

  The Endeavors design and detail were clearly thought through thoroughly by the car designers. The designers were truly thinking about what the consumer would like to have in an automobile.

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  We Love Our MS! - 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
  By Jeff - March 19 - 8:43 pm

  We bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and it has been very reliable. We did a major tuneup/timing belt replacement, which cost around $600, but we planned that when we bought it. Its a perfect size for family travels, big enough, but not too big. 4WD is awesome in snow or off road. It looks great and is fun to drive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  A great car! - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Capt. Rick - March 18 - 10:33 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 years now, buying it new in 2002. I have not had a minutes trouble with it. It has the small 4 cyl. engine but is like driving a race car, fast, and handles well. It is turning out to be one of the best cars that Ive ever bought!

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  CVT sucks - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By germanwolf41 - March 18 - 11:30 am

  My CVT transmission seized at 137,500 miles. NO mention to change the fluid in the owners manual, just check fluid every 30k miles. Mitsubishi also fails to tell you they expect you to have the MIVEC motor valves to be adjusted every 30k miles (a $400-ish job) Due to limited Mitsubishi dealers Id advise against buying any Mitsubishi. Also, the CVT fluid is $19.50 per quart, 6qt roughly to change fluid once. The ONLY place you can get the Diaqueen J4 tranny fluid IS at Mitsubishi. NOT worth the hassle. Odd size for the 18" wheels, hard to find & expensive to replace tires. Only 4 choices

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  What a fun car! - 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By musclehead - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has served me well through several yers of outside sales work. It is fun to drive; unique and sharp to look at; easy to get in and out of; sound system is awesome; low maintenance and the quality in workmanship is good.

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  gas guzzler with a little 4 cyl - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By mixe - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Its a great "MINI SUV" the only downfall that I have experienced is it gets HORRIBLE gas mileage.. I have a Ford Explored with a 4.0 6 cyl that does equal or better on gas..

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  NOISE! NOISE! NOISE! - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By Impulse buyer - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Handling is excellent. Drives like a car. But driving in freeway is annoying. Wind noise, you have to put the radio to higher volume just to muff the noise from the wind. I drove different suvs, but nothing compared to this one as far as wind noise. Hope Mitsubishi will do a recall on this kind of problem.